Cross River is one state in Nigeria that touts its love and commitment to the environment, physically manifested in projects which revolve around forest preservation, beautification, and development. Also, the state possesses and maintains a large percentage of the tropical rainforests in Nigeria. Most recently, Cross River is on its way to housing Africa’s largest stretch of woodlands.
Yet, environmentalists are criticising the government’s relationship with the environment, owing to infrastructural development plans which came to the fore last year.
Yesterday, the Cross River State Forest Commission announced that the state has commenced the planting of five million indigenous trees, in what will become the biggest forest on the continent. The planned area of cultivation will cover 100,000 hectares of land, and span 18 local governments within the state. Volunteers are already on standby to carry out the planting of the timber and economic tree seedlings.
These new trees will join those presently existing in the state’s other forest reserves.
Mr. Bette Obi, the Chairman and Executive Director of the Forest Commission noted that Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade has directives in motion to ensure that the proposed rainforest is protected. These include establishing a Ministry of Climate Change and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Biodiversity to collaborate with the Commission.
In addition, an Anti-Deforestation task force unit has been but in charge of preventing the illegal wood logging and exploitation of timber.
Last month, Governor Ayade, Deputy Governor Ivara Isu, former military administrators Colonel Umaru Ahmed and Navy Captain Ibim Princewill, members of the State House of Assembly and others participated in the commemoration of the Cross River 50th year anniversary by planting trees at the Ayade Industrial Park in Calabar.
But, environmentalists seemingly believe all of these efforts pale in comparison to the perceived devastating effects of the presence of a 260km super highway in the state. No matter the economic reasons given for its development.
Following the Cross River state government’s announcement to construct the highway in March of last year, the consensus amongst environmentalists and some local communities was that it threatened the existence of lives and biodiversity in the areas between Calabar and Benue state with destruction and displacement. Particularly since the construction was being planned without satisfactory consultation from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
In January this year, Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE) implored the government to withdraw support for the highway’s construction, stressing the adverse environmental impacts it would generate. However, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo’s visit to the state earlier this month saw the federal government nod its approval to the project. The Forest Commission also seems to be on board with the idea, and states that a balance must be struck between conservation and infrastructural balance.
Chairman Bette Obi notes that the government has met the necessary requirement of the EIA, and asks local and foreign non-governmental organisations working with the opposing group to allow for indigenes of the state to reap the economic benefits of the construction and also allow for peace to reign.
